To your concern, I am assuming you are referring to the plastic insert/tube over the cable. The plastic serves two purposes; 1st to ensure that the cable does not rub against the metal ends of the cable housing and 2nd, to reduce built-up of corrosion/oxidation on the cable. This is because of different types of metals are in contact with one another and are exposed to the elements. Simply put, the plastic serves as a sacrificial material, rather it be damaged than the cable.

There are also plastic inserts in some models over the nipple, the end of the cable. This serves as a spacer when the nipple is inserted on the slot/hole of the clutch lever.

I am also curious why your bike will not start and could only think of the clutch engaged switch. Pls check if the new clutch lever is reaching/engaging this switch. Although this of course does not have an effect as long as you start in neutral. Any other indicators when you press on the START button? A clicking sound?

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you need to take the clutch cover off and inside you will find a small shaft going up to your clutch lever. If that lever is broken you will have to replace that shaft.If the clutch shaft checks out check your cable that could be broken. If it is then replace and adjust and you are good to go. Good luck on the bike

had the same problem on mine. under the clutch master cylinder there's a contact that will either have some corrosion on it, the spring is not pushing the contact out far enough to engage the contact points, or the small piece of plastic holding it in is wiggling a little too much. sand off what corrosion is there and if necessary wrap a small piece of tape around the plastic retainer. be careful, bunch of little pieces to keep up with.

You may have a kick stand switch which will kill the bike if you try to ride off with it down, The switch on the clutch lever is so you cannot start the bike in gear unless its in neutral. There should also be a switch that goes in the transmission that works along with the other switch(es).
If at least one of these has a fault then that may be your issue.

Look at the clutch lever switch closely. Sometimes they have a small pin that the lever touches. If that small pin broke off then the lever cannot make contact.
then look around the trans since you were in there changing a rod.

If the bike starts when it is in gear that would indicate that the clutch switch is sticking/broken? It is located between the clutch lever and the clutch lever assembly, normally a plastic bullet shaped switch with a switch that is depressed when the clutch lever is not engaged and released when the clutch lever is pulled in. The not shifting could be down to the chain not adjusted for freeplay correctly, also lub the gear change shaft. If the chain is adjusted then check freeplay on the clutch lever normally about 10mm, but check with your handbook.

It`s possible that your clutch cable broke.Yes follow the cable down to the motor and remove that cover.The cable will be attached to push rod lever.When you remove the cover you will see the front sprocket and clutch push rod make sure the rod stay in place.Hope this helps you out.D.

You simply remove any rubber covering on the lever to expose the lever assembly. Remove its holding bolts/nuts. Disconnect the clutch-wire from the lever.
Put in new lever followed by other items you removed.